To Hand

Valley of Fire #2

by John Van Stry

In a fractured galaxy ruled by AI-powered ships and their interfaced crews, ex-privateer Wolf and his enigmatic partner Mariella join the King's Navy to secure their future. Wolf's rare interface, a clue to his heritage, fuels his unmatched piloting skills, while Mariella grapples with her noble past. As interstellar war looms, they navigate alliances and cunning enemies. Reunited in the heat of battle, their bond faces the ultimate test. With battleships rising and unlikely allies emerging, Wolf and Mariella stand at the heart of a galactic storm.

In this thrilling sequel to MISPLACED, love, loyalty, and hidden powers collide in a saga of cosmic intrigue and valor.

Genres: Science Fiction

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

I've had a very varied life. I grew up in New York, on Long Island.
I went to school to become an Engineer, then joined the Air Force.
After that I worked first in Robotics, then in Aerospace as a Flight Test Engineer. I moved into the medical fields, then into more Technical markets working for a number of high tech companies where I became a Contractor.
I used to own and raise big cats. I love motorcycles and old cars. I'm a pilot and former martial arts instructor. I'm a fan of the Reno Air Races.
Then there's the stuff I'm not supposed to talk about, but that's another story.
I've seen a lot of interesting stuff go by, met a lot of interesting, wonderful, strange, or sometimes just psychotic people. I've had the opportunity to work on some truly game changing technologies. And while I've had some very bad things happen to me in my life, I've never let it stop me.
Keep smiling.
-John

Reviews

[Jonathan Koan]

Another very good entry by John Van Stry in his Valley of Fire trilogy. This book leans much more into the Military Sci-Fi elements, although thankfully it does not get bogged down in the terminology. It also has the political/space opera storytelling style that I really like.

The political elements in this book, particularly in the first half, are what really worked for me. I enjoyed reading about the royal families of both the Solarian and Iraklis Kingdoms. It falls into tropes sometimes, but it's delightful nonetheless.

I also appreciated that the first half of this book toned down the sexual elements signficantly. The second half still had that stuff sadly, and the morality espoused is very questionable, but still was toned down overall from book 1.

The action in the second half was very good, and I was able to follow all of it.

Overall, I did enjoy this book a lot. John Van Stry has an ease to his writing style that I love, and he keeps the story focused and the pacing quick. 8 out of 10!

[Alan K]

Epic Sci-Fi

Really enjoying this series, the universe is well defined already (Wolfhounds), and this story is good. Another “street rat and orphan doing illegal stuff” turns out to be a good guy, just like the original Wolfhounds books which I also really enjoyed. This series is set 2 years after the End Game book. Looking forward to more of this series as this is not the end of the story arc.

[Adena Lee]

This is clearly a spinoff from the Wolfhounds series and it looks like Wolf is definitely a chip off the Morgan block. The similarities between him and Chase are startling and seem to be in the mold of a certain ship's engineer. I wonder if Wolf and Chase will meet.

[Peter Chivers]

"It's a cracker"

I've pinched the title for this review from a British comedian. This book lives up to that title! I only purchased it last night, and I have read it with little being accepted as a distraction. If you have not read any books by John Van Stry set in and around the Solarian Empire, I recommend starting with Stand Alone, the first book in the Wolfhounds series; however you can jump in with the first book in this series called Misplaced. I commend this book for your enjoyment.

[CHARLES WALKER BOWSER]

Look this is a self published book. The world is ok...this author has been self publishing for a while....but the tone and the character are shallow and a tad simplistic. If the goal of the author is to write YA fiction, then fair enough. Its fine for ages 8-13.
But it's not great science fiction for adults.
The main characters have heavy plot armor, and the dialog is simplistic and one dimensional .....well, to be honest, the entire boot is one dimensional .
If you like stories where men are men, women are compliant and authority is always right....here's your book.

[Dannan Tavona]

Great sequel

Alternate universe, advanced technology, military SF, interstellar societies, adult situations

Wolf and Mari continue their training in the kingdom's navy as politics develops. Engaging story, with some development of Wolf's sister, Candice, her important skills, and her and her husband's open relationship. Solid story and character progression. The several illustrations, an expensive author outlay, were a pleasant surprise. Above average editing. Really enjoying this series.

[mr r w hickling]

second in series did not disappoint

If you are looking for something light to read in sci-fi then well worth a go. If you are looking for high brow heavy reading this ain’t it. But I have really enjoyed the characters and the plot moves at a good pace without too much jumping around from present to past to future. Would be a great holiday book when you just want to relax on the beach with a beer

[Ken Guy]

Good storyline; great & compelling characters

This series is probably half the story but is very good so far. The development of the characters has also been very good. Definitely worth the read but book #2 leaves you hanging. Would like to see book #3 soon. I imagine it will take four books to complete this series. Here's hoping!

[Bert Babb]

Very good scifi adventure

Intrigue, space battles, romance and even a knife fight. The MC goes thru basic in the space navy and then gets deployed to id the polity that attacked and killed the crown prince. Even his sister levels up, reprograming AI's in preperation for war. An engaging adventure.

[Sergey Kravtsov]

Amazing

An amazing read, cant help but fall in love with the characters, and the story is simply riveting g you to the chair. Going to hope the story runs away into six books for the author 😀. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

[Mary E]

Enjoyable read

Enjoyable continuation/expansion of the series. Only quibble is in the pacing. I notice that the author's books start slow and 'speed up' toward the end. But maybe it is on purpose since they often end up in battles? Plus epilogue.

[Richard H. Whitten]

Another great Van Story Book

Here's part 2 of a new trilogy in the Wolf bound universe. While I was a bit skeptical at first, this book pulled me in quickly. I am looking forward to the third book in the trilogy.

[Jared Rolph]

I loved this story

I lovw this story and I really enjoy the world of
the Wolfhounds. I am glad this story will continue and hope it, like Wolfhounds, goes more than the expected book count.

[Richard Dienel]

Like this series more than the Wolfhounds


I like the mix of battles and human interaction/storytine. As I read this book it really hit me how much better Mr. Van Story is than most of the other KU authors. Looking g forward to job#3

[Daniel]

can’t wait for the next one

I like this series. I’m glad this book explained the connection to the wolfhounds series better than the first. I’m curious to see where this story goes.

[Jack Ling]

enjoyed book 2.

Very much enjoyed Wolfs journey and the reveal looking forward to book 3 and the battles to come. If you enjoyed any of Johns other work this series continues to impress I absolutely recommend you pick it up.

[Bob Bracken]

Very Good Saga, Awaiting More!

I like the characters, the story Genesis, the Arc of the Plot, & the pleasing characters & character development. Looking forward to #3 of the trilogy😁

[Grant Hogarth]

A very good space opera

It's also a great continuation of the "Wolfhounds" series. If you liked those, you will have a fine time with this series. Nothing heavy, just a grand adventure.

[Jim]

You,l Like This and Want the Next Book

Balanced pacing between action and character evolution keeps your interest. Street smart and physically able main character learns and matures. Interesting portrayal of the king. Combat ranges from boarding parties to battleships.

[Matt]

Good read

It was nice to see another part of the galaxy from wolfhounds. Interested in seeing how everything pans out, can't wait for book 3

[Kendal]

Another great book

I like this author. This is a fun little space opera. I enjoy the linked "Wolfhound" series, and am looking forward to the rest of this series.

[Lisa George]

Great sequel

Great sequel. I enjoyed this book as well as the series this is the spinoff from. Space battles and seeing a kid grow up are interesting.

[Nathan]

Well done!

Really well written story! Love the wolfhounds, and this is a nice offshot of the same universe! Keep writing, sir!!

[Robert Kennedy]

Enjoying the characters

Wolf and Mira have so far been very fun characters. Glad to see more focus on Candice this time. Would love more background on Dar

[Justin Pieratt]

Great book

Do yourself a favor and start with the wolfhounds. Then read this series. It will make more sense that way.

[Ed A]

Thumbs Up

Great follow-on to book one, and Wolfhounds series. For sure I’ll be looking out for the third Valley of Fire.

[Judy Frederickson]

Great Read

Hard to put this one down! Looking forward to a third book. Fast paced, this story unfolded nicely. Huzzah! Can’t wait for the next

[IMHO]

RECOMMENDED

[Eric Prater]

Another great read!

I'm loving this series, lots of adventure, some politics that don't get in the way of a space battle! Well done!

[Tony Hisgett]

Like the first book, I really enjoyed this book and there were parts of the book were I would have given five stars, but overall I thought four was the right level.